PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: 'America's Got Talent' returns May 30 with a new season, but many are unhappy with one of the acts. Steel Panther wowed the 'AGT' audition stage in a promo for their appearance on Season 18 of the talent competition show, but viewers found the raunchy rockers a bit "unfair."
Steel Panther, the popular metal band, took the stage by storm during the premiere of the Season 18 of 'America's Got Talent '(AGT), leaving the audience in awe and horror. Steel Panther is a glam metal parody band from Los Angeles, California. The band's music has been described as a mix of Van Halen, Motley Crue, Ratt, and the legendary movie 'Wayne's World.' The band's rousing performance will air May 30 at 8 pm on NBC ET, and fans have already gotten a sneak peek thanks to the show's official Instagram page.
'This will be a shock to Simon'
The visual ensemble garnered a standing ovation merely after stepping onstage, according to a preview clip uploaded online. Even judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel applauded the group. When Howie saw the long-haired, tattooed musicians, he remarked, "Who doesn't love country music?"
Michael Starr, the band's lead vocalist, told the 'AGT' judges that the band has six full-length albums, live recordings, and even a performance DVD. However, he said that, while they have had some success in limited circles, their involvement in the competition program allows them to reach a new audience. "This is the best way to reach so many other people who have never seen us before," Michael explained. "And teach them the ways of the heavy metal!"
However, Steel Panther fans expressed concern about the band's problematic repertoire in the comments section. Songs from Steel Panther include 'Party All Day (F**k All Night),' 'All I Wanna Do Is F**k (Myself Tonight),' and 'Always Gonna Be a H*'. They also tweeted an explicit preview of their performance, captioning a behind-the-scenes shot, "Just four dudes backstage patiently waiting to rock Simon's b**ls off."
The quartet played 'Eyes of a Panther,' off their 2009 first studio album, 'Feel the Steel,' in a clip posted by the program. Although the video stopped before the judges could make their decision, supporters on social media were concerned that the group would be poorly welcomed.
One person commented, "This will be a shock to Simon." Another noted, "Probably all cover songs going forward…can’t think of any other originals they can perform on network TV." "Network television isn't ready," wrote another. A fourth user commented, "Lmao Eyes of the Panther was probably the ONLY song they could have played without getting 9000 censor beeps and being instantly ejected."
'Totally defeats the purpose of the show'
The band's audition was a "hit" with the judges, but some fans are criticizing the show on Twitter for even allowing Steel Panther to audition. One person tweeted, "Steel panther have been around since 2009 and have numerous albums... Isn't this unfair for the other contestants? Love them and they are on tour now!" Another chimed in, "Am I missing something? Since when are professionals allowed to compete? That totally defeats the purpose of the show." One fan also questioned, "Is this a gag, or are they straight up auditioning?" "The bands who've released six albums already shouldn't move on #AGT," said another viewer.
Fans can watch the performance tonight at 8 pm on NBC's 'America's Got Talent' premiere.
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